Best Gloves for Dentists & Dental Hygienists

Summary – Dentist gloves need sufficient barrier protection to protect dentists, oral surgeons, and dental hygienists. Nitrile is preferred in most cases.

Use our quick navigation below to find detailed information about each topic. If you need any help don’t hesitate to contact us using the form at the end of the article.

What kind of gloves do dentists use?

Most dentists and dental hygienists use nitrile gloves because of their comfort, adequate barrier protection, and durability.

Dental gloves have trended towards nitrile because of increased latex sensitivities. 

And with COVID-19, sufficient barrier protection is more critical now than ever. Dentists need protection they can depend on. Nitrile rubber won’t rip or tear under light stress, and extra thick gloves can be relied upon for heavy industrial tasks.

Because of nitrile’s strength, dentists and nurses trust nitrile rubber gloves to protect them from infectious disease hazards.

Do dentists wear latex gloves?

Dentists wear latex gloves; latex is the second most popular glove material for dentists. 

Dentists should have latex-free gloves available if they discover a patient has latex sensitivities. Many dental offices now contain nitrile, vinyl, and latex gloves as needed.

Will nitrile or latex irritate patients?

Patients with latex allergies or sensitivities will react to contact with latex rubber. Dentists, nurses, and orthodontists need to be prepared for such eventualities. The first step is asking if the patient is aware of any allergy and then having a suitable latex-free glove alternative available.¹

For unknown reasons, the incidence rate of latex sensitivities had increased since the 1980s when they first began being tracked.² Because dentists and orthodontists primarily work within a patient’s mouth, little can be done to prevent exposure to latex. 

The only practical solution is for dentists to use nitrile, vinyl, or chloroprene rubber gloves that are 100% latex-free. Even though latex sensitivities are on the rise, they still account for a minority of patients.

Do dental hygienists need to wear gloves?

Dental hygienists need to wear disposable gloves to protect themselves and their patients. Disposable gloves act as a protective barrier and reduce the spread of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infections. Just as dental bibs are necessary for exams, so are gloves.

Dental hygienists should wear disposable nitrile gloves provided to them by their employers. Some dental offices offer latex, vinyl, and nitrile gloves allowing the hygienist to pick the glove material that works best for them.

Top Gloves for Dentists & Dental Hygienists

Synguard Blue Nitrile Exam Gloves

These blue nitrile exam gloves from Synguard offer reliable barrier protection for dental professionals. Being non-EG and powder-free, they minimize the risk of skin irritation.

Bioskin Blue Nitrile Exam Gloves

These Bioskin blue nitrile exam gloves with a thickness of 4.0 mil provide a comfortable fit while maintaining adequate protection for dental procedures.

Kimberly-Clark Purple Nitrile Medical Gloves

Kimberly-Clark's purple nitrile medical gloves offer a robust 6.0 mil thickness, providing enhanced protection for more demanding dental tasks.

Rival Blue Nitrile Exam Glove

Rival blue nitrile exam gloves, with a 4.0 mil thickness, offer a dependable and comfortable option for everyday use in dental practices.

Ansell SU-690 Microflex Nitrile Exam Gloves

Ansell's SU-690 nitrile exam gloves are a trusted choice for dental professionals seeking quality and reliable barrier protection.

Basic Medical Vinyl Exam Gloves

These basic medical vinyl exam gloves offer a latex-free alternative for dental professionals and patients with latex sensitivities, providing essential barrier protection.

Basic Medical Vinyl Blue Exam Gloves

Similar to the clear vinyl option, these basic medical blue vinyl exam gloves provide a latex-free solution with a distinct blue color for easy identification.

Accutouch Vinyl Exam Gloves

Accutouch vinyl exam gloves, with a 5.1 mil thickness and powder-free design, offer a comfortable and protective latex-free option for dental professionals.

Where can I buy dental gloves?

Harmony Lab & Safety Supplies is your source for dental gloves and other wholesale disposable gloves. Harmony has well over a decade of experience providing nitrile and latex gloves to dentists and other medical professionals. All our supplies are delivered to you quickly and supported by our USA customer support team.

If you’re unsure as to what dental gloves you need, feel free to contact us using the form below.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gloves is paramount for dentists and dental hygienists to ensure their safety and the safety of their patients. Considering factors such as material, barrier protection, and potential latex sensitivities is crucial in making the best selection. Explore the wide range of dental glove options available at Harmony Lab & Safety Supplies to find the perfect fit for your practice.